Queen and Duke to make state visit for French D-day commemorations

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are to make a three-day state visit to France in June (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are to travel to Normandy to attend events commemorating the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, Buckingham Palace has said.

The engagements will form part of a three-day state visit to France in June, being made by the Queen and Philip following an invitation by France's president Francois Hollande.

The monarch last made a state visit to France in April 2004.

Buckingham Palace said in a short statement: "The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, will make a state visit to France from 5-7 June. Her Majesty and His Royal Highness are visiting at the invitation of the President of France, President Hollande.

"On 6 June the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will attend events in Normandy to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

"On 6 and 7 June Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will attend state visit events in Paris and be received at the Elysee Palace by President Hollande."

PA